Ruling party Sec Gen reaffirms Georgia’s sovereignty amid concerns over EU visa-free suspension
Kakha Kaladze
Photo: Tbilisi City Hall
Kakha Kaladze, the Mayor of Tbilisi and Secretary General of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Thursday responded firmly to concerns regarding the possible suspension of Georgia’s visa-free travel to the European Union, stating that the country's national interests would not and cannot be compromised.
In his remarks, Kaladze questioned the reasoning behind such discussions.
“The question arises: what is the reason for this? What is Georgia doing to warrant the suspension of visa-free travel for Georgians? We know what the real reasons are. Nevertheless, we have clearly and repeatedly stated that Georgia’s national interests will not be surrendered. The Government will continue to ensure peace, security, and economic development in the country”, the ruling party official said.
Kaladze stressed that no external actor had the right to dictate decisions to the Georgian Government.
He further criticised attempts to impose pressure on the country and drew a parallel with Ukraine, suggesting that Georgia would not allow itself to be used to serve the interests of others.
“We remember well the devastation the 2008 war brought to our country”, Kaladze added.
“Our plan is simple: to protect the country’s interests and maintain peace. Despite numerous calls and even a resolution urging us to join [Russian] sanctions, we will not do so - again, based on our national interests. We don’t want to collapse our economy or create further problems. We are not fighting anyone; we are protecting our country and our people”, he noted.
Kaladze concluded by reaffirming Georgia’s readiness for cooperation and partnership, but only on a reciprocal basis.
“Georgia is not anyone’s backyard. It is an independent, sovereign country. Our ancestors shed blood for this independence, and we will not allow it to be undermined”, he concluded.
All News
15 April 2026, 21:41
Politics
Georgian President, UN-accredited Ambassadors discuss strengthening international engagement, partnerships
Georgian president Mikheil Kavelashvili on Wednesday held a meeting with ambassadors accredited to the United Nations, highlighting Georgia’s role in international cooperation and dialogue.
15 April 2026, 19:19
Politics
Georgian Parliament Speaker criticises Brussels’ approach to EU candidate countries
Georgian Parliament speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Wednesday said European Union institutions were increasingly shifting from dialogue to directives, creating additional challenges for candidate countries such as Georgia.
15 April 2026, 19:10
Politics
Georgian PM, Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner discuss implementation of 2024-2026 Human Rights Action Plan
Georgian prime minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms during a meeting with the Council of Europe commissioner for human rights Michael O’Flaherty.
15 April 2026, 18:42
Politics
Georgian FM, Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner discuss reforms, policies aimed at safeguarding human rights
Georgian foreign minister Maka Botchorishvili on Wednesday met with the Council of Europe commissioner for human rights Michael O’Flaherty. During the meeting, she provided an overview of the current situation in Georgia, highlighting ongoing reforms and policies designed to safeguard human rights.
15 April 2026, 17:13
Politics
Georgian FM defends foreign influence laws, says transparency vital for stability
Georgian foreign minister Maka Botchorishvili on Wednesday staunchly defended the country’s legislative measures regarding foreign influence, asserting that transparency is now an undeniable necessity for national stability.
15 April 2026, 16:57
Politics
Georgia moved quickly to block sanctions evasion, says Georgian Foreign Minister
Georgia has immediately implemented relevant measures to ensure compliance with international sanctions regimes and to prevent its territory from being used for sanctions evasion, said on Wednesday Georgian foreign minister Maka Botchorishvili.
15 April 2026, 16:26
Politics
Georgian FM: Georgia successfully maintains peace, stability amid complex geopolitical challenges
Georgian foreign minister Maka Botchorishvili on Wednesday said that the country has successfully managed to preserve peace and security while creating conditions for stable economic development and public well-being amid a highly complex geopolitical situation.
15 April 2026, 15:21
Politics
Georgian FM: no discussion possible on rail traffic or diplomatic relations amid Russian occupation
Georgian foreign minister Maka Botchorishvili on Wednesday said that in a situation where Georgian territories are occupied by Russia, there can be no discussion of restoring railway traffic or diplomatic relations.
15 April 2026, 15:05
Politics
Georgian FM: allegations of anti-Western or anti-European rhetoric part of coordinated propaganda campaign
Georgian foreign minister Maka Botchorishvili on Wednesday dismissed allegations that the government was using anti-Western or anti-European rhetoric, describing such claims as part of a coordinated propaganda campaign aimed at undermining the country’s national interests.
15 April 2026, 14:39
Politics
Georgian FM: Georgian Dream party has never halted EU integration, Georgia closer to EU standards than other candidates
Georgian foreign minister Maka Botchorishvili on Wednesday said that the ruling Georgian Dream party has never suspended the country’s European integration process, arguing that Georgia is now closer to European standards in multiple areas than other candidate countries.
15 April 2026, 12:38
Economy
Georgian Finance Minister: Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank interested in Middle Corridor, energy investments
Georgian finance minister Lasha Khutsishvili on Wednesday said that the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank has expressed strong interest in investing in both the Middle Corridor infrastructure and the energy sector following a meeting with the Bank.
15 April 2026, 11:40
Tourism
1 million tourist visits in 3 months - new record high for Georgia
The Georgian National Tourism Administration has released the latest figures for the first quarter of 2026, revealing a new record for international tourist visits.
14 April 2026, 21:48
Justice
Georgian Interior Minister, Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner discuss ongoing reforms, human rights situation
Georgian interior minister Geka Geladze on Tuesday met with the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O’Flaherty and provided detailed information on the Interior Ministry’s key activities, priority areas, and ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and governance.
14 April 2026, 20:12
Politics
Georgian Parliament official: geography can’t be denied - Middle Corridor impossible without Georgia partnership
Davit Matikashvili, the chair of the parliamentary committee on procedural issues and rules, on Tuesday said Georgia was playing a crucial role in Europe’s energy and connectivity projects, stressing that its geographical position made it indispensable for the Middle Corridor.
14 April 2026, 17:27
Politics
Georgia’s ruling party official: Black Sea submarine cable decision underscores project’s significance for Georgia and Europe
Irakli Kirtskhalia, the chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party faction in the legislative body, on Tuesday said it was expected that the Black Sea submarine cable project would be granted the status of a priority project.
14 April 2026, 17:02
Economy
Georgian Economy Minister: EU’s PMI status confirms strategic importance of Black Sea submarine cable
Mariam Kvrivishvili, the minister of economy and sustainable development of Georgia, on Tuesday said the decision by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union to grant the Black Sea submarine cable project the status of Project of Mutual Interest (PMI) once again confirms its strategic importance not only for Georgia and the South Caucasus, but also for the European Union.
14 April 2026, 16:37
Society
Opposition leader Nika Gvaramia under fire after using autism-related terms in insulting context
Parents of children on the autism spectrum have responded strongly to the use of autism-related terms in an insulting context by Nika Gvaramia, the leader of the opposition Coalition for Change.
14 April 2026, 15:35
Politics
Georgia’s ruling party official claims domestic radical opposition “entirely controlled from outside”
Levan Machavariani, the first deputy chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party faction in the legislative body, on Tuesday said the country’s radical opposition was “entirely controlled from outside”.
14 April 2026, 14:22
Politics
Georgia’s ruling party official: country’s future not determined by someone else’s political agenda but solely by national interests of nation
Archil Beridze, the deputy chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party faction in the legislative body, on Tuesday said the future of the country was not determined by someone else's political agenda but solely by the national interests of the nation.
14 April 2026, 14:16
Politics
Georgian Parliament official: Georgia expects strategic ties with Hungary to continue after power transition
Levan Makhashvili, the chair of the Georgian Parliament’s European integration committee, on Tuesday congratulated Peter Magyar and his party on securing a convincing victory in Hungary’s parliamentary elections, highlighting the peaceful and competitive nature of the vote.